SEREMBAN, Malaysia — Lim Em Beng showed flashes of brilliance while Zotico Tan dazzled with his athleticism as the Filipino-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association (FCVBA) opened its title-retention bid in the 60-years-and-above division by crushing Sarawak, 57-43, at the start of the 19th ASEAN Veterans Invitational Tournament Sunday at the Negri Recreational Club here.

Showing he still has the touch that enabled him to make a record 55 straight free throws in the NCAA while playing for La Salle in 1974, Beng made three-of-four from the stripe aside from ably quarterbacking the team’s offense as FCVBA posted one of the entertaining wins in the annual tournament.

Honored as one of PBA’s 25 greatest players, Beng finished three assists shy from completing a triple-double performance by posting 14 points, 11 rebounds and seven feeds.

But the limelight belonged to the 65-year-old Tan, the former sidekick of Estoy Estrada and Manny Paner during the glory days of University of Visayas in the late 60s and early 70s.

Tan, who never realized his dream of playing in the PBA, led the squad backed by Jimi Lim, Edward Tio and Rain or Shine co-team owner Terry Que with 18 markers and six steals.

The win more than made up for FCVBA’s 64-53 defeat in the 40-years-and-above division as the team managed by Achit Kaw fell victim to several non-calls, especially during the crucial stage of the game.

With Que, Beng and Tan at the helm, the Filipinos led by as many as 14 points before the Malaysians cut it down to six, 28-34, midway through the third quarter. But Tan, Chua and Beng came to the team’s rescue, combining in a 10-2 attack to take a 44-31 breather going into the final 10 minutes.